Turkmenistan has showcased the Alenia M-346 Master advanced jet trainer and C-27J Spartan tactical airlifter, state media revealed on 3 May.
The president of Turkmenistan seen in the cockpit of an Alenia M-346 Master jet trainer during what appears to be a demo of this aircraft and the Alenia C-27J Spartan that was shown on state TV on 3 May.Photo by: Watan Habarlary
The president of the former Soviet republic, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, was shown by state broadcaster Watan Habarlary sitting in the cockpit of an M-346, as well as inspecting the interior and watching a flight display of a C-27J during an apparent demonstration of the Italian-built products during a wider military parade.
Alenia’s parent company, Leonardo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the Turkmenistan Air Force does already have a history of procuring Italian products. While its inventory is still mainly comprised of Soviet-era types, Italian types in service include the Selex Falco unmanned aerial vehicle and Agusta AW109 Power helicopter.
janes.com